All I want for Christmas... [OPEN]

[brightwitch]

There have been several upheavals in the witch community of late, from the re-emergence of Circle Midnight and their new High Priestess, to the aggressive and chaotic behaviour of the fae in south-east London, taking over territory that was once home to many well-known and respected Daybreak covens.

Somehow, it all keeps coming back to Croydon.

Sylvia has feared it ever since she first became aware of these two threats: that the fae and Circle Midnight might decide to work together. Now they have, and while her spies and other figures in the community warned her of the attempted handover, allowing Circle Daybreak to prevent the fae from handing over Croydon to Abigail and her band of young and foolish witches – still, they were only able to prevent it from happening. They couldn't take Croydon back and that means the borough is still an uncertain and dangerous place.

There's no hiding what happened. Every coven knows. And, not surprisingly, there's a backlash. How dare the fae attempt to prop up an illegitimate Midnight coven right next door to Daybreak territory? There's one voice in particular that stands out as loudest amongst the crowd: that of Circle Daybreak's newest High Priest, Gilbert Norrell.

It's not long after Croydon that he and his manservant Childermass report to Sylvia of some worrying behaviour on the part of Circle Daybreak's High Priestess and Vice President of the Night Council, Dee Absin. Their story is backed up by Peter Vrinak, another member of the Council and a voice for stronger action against the fae.

Before Christmas, the news gets out: Dee has been removed from the Night Council, with Peter Vrinak taking her place as Vice President. And who will fill the now vacant seat of Witch Representative? Why, none other than Gilbert Norrell himself.

On 29th December, Gilbert Norrell officially takes his seat on the Night Council.

Coincidentally, on 30th December the Night Council announces its newest law, which it calls an emergency measure in response to the aggressive behaviour of the Seelie and Unseelie Courts in the mortal realm.

This law bans the use of all dark magic, the use and possession of all dark magic objects, and the selling or trading of dark magic objects. Anyone caught in possession of these objects will have them confiscated. The punishment for breaking this law ranges from hefty fines (for minor magic/objects) to up to 5 years' imprisonment (for high level magic). The law will come into effect from 1st January 2016.

Until then, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

[ooc: This is a summary of what goes down, there will be subthreads below to play out the various events! Also please do feel free to post a top-level comment reacting to the news, or to thread out your reaction with other characters.]

Comments

[hurtfew]

If she is teasing then Norrell does not fully realise it, for Norrell is not entirely at home with such things. Teasing is not a thing he indulges in, largely because Gilbert Norrell lacks in people friendly enough with him to tease.

"Because it is England that I live in," he answers simply, "and it is England where such a thing will begin. I do very much hope that others will follow, but I will not be there to guide such a thing so that will be left to others. Scotland does not agree with me, Miss Redbright, it is so very cold and wet."

[brightwitch]

"But you're from Yorkshire! Surely you must be used to cold and wet."

She can imagine Norrell sitting in some dark and gloomy manor on the Yorkshire moors; he has a face and manner to suit it. Sylvia makes a mental note to send Norrell to Scotland at the earliest opportunity.

"On a more serious note," she goes on, "you must understand that a place on the Night Council goes far beyond your responsibilities in London. You are representing witches across the entire country, and that does include Scotland. You will have to meet with covens outside London – in fact, we should arrange that for you as soon as possible, beginning in the new year. I hope you don't mind travelling?"

[hurtfew]

Norrell dislikes excessive travelling entirely. His lips thin, but he considers it.

"There are many things that the North would benefit from," he begins slowly. "They are still very much versed in the old ways there, a lot of mysticism and talk of fairy kings. Some good could be done... I had hoped changes in London would set an example, but..."

He winces a little, debating still, then lifts his eyes back to Sylvia.

"Of course, I could not stay away for long. There is still much to be done here, and I have my own coven to consider. I cannot abandon them."

[brightwitch]

"Of course not," she agrees, "but you will have to find the time for both. Welcome to my world. Every coven wants its voice to be heard, and you'll have to listen to all of them."

Sylvia is juggling three jobs at once, and has done for a number of years. This time of year is supposed to be dedicated to family, and on Christmas Day she saw her grandchildren for the first time in months. Sacrifices have to be made. Norrell has no family commitments that she is aware of; if anyone can find the time to lead a coven and assume a seat on the Night Council, it ought to be him.

[hurtfew]

"Sacrifices will have to be made," he says, echoing her thoughts somewhat. Norrell does like to complain about his lot, though. He sighs heavily, weighing this up visibly. "Of course, if you do think I would be the best person to go I would have to agree. I do have experience with Yorkshire, at the very least, and have done extensive research on the history of magic in many areas. Certainly I would not object to spreading the good word of Daybreak and the Night Council further."

Especially, of course, if it meant he could gain support. Norrell is nothing if not practical. If he is already there, then why should he not pursue his own interests too?

There might be a book sale worth investigating too. Many old houses often have their contents sold. Nothing is likely to please him so much as a book sale.

[brightwitch]

He says it as if it isn't part of the role he's already agreed to take on. Does she think he's the best person to act as a diplomat to other covens? Probably not. He'll have to tone down the 'English magic' references whenever he talks to any covens outside of England, if nothing else. Will it get him out of her hair? Yes. Sylvia controls her expression, giving an oblique nod.

"I should hope not, since that is your job. I'm sure Peter can give you some good advice on the day-to-day work. You'll be the voice of all witches. It's an honour and a privilege, and I look forward to working with you."

[hurtfew]

Oh, but talking to people and socialising at parties is not something Gilbert Norrell enjoys! Surely other people could do that? Surely Vrinak could go often, or something else? A representative? Still, The Voice Of All Witches. Yes, he likes that idea very much. It pleases him enough that the it's your job comment is ignored entirely.

(He would prefer his job mostly to be writing letters, helping pass laws, passing judgement. He could tolerate other things, however.)

Still, Norrell offers her a small smile and dips his head slightly.

"And I you, Miss Redbright, very much so. I hope the new year is good to you."

[brightwitch]

She nods back, smiling. "I hope so too." Lifting her glass, she offers a toast. "Happy New Year."

It's been a... busy year, she thinks. With luck, 2016 will be much calmer.